UIF’s Innovative Approach The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has taken a significant step forward by launching a zero-rated mobile app and a complimentary USSD platform, offering clients convenient access to UIF services around the clock. This initiative aims to reduce the lengthy queues typically seen at labor centers, as stated by UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping.
Empowering Clients with Self-Service The core objective of this endeavor is to empower UIF clients with greater accessibility and flexibility while eliminating the need to visit physical labor centers. The mobile app, unveiled on September 4th, is designed to provide services at no cost, ensuring clients can access them anytime and from anywhere.
Addressing Long Queues and Easing Pressure Maruping introduced these platforms during a media briefing held in Cape Town, emphasizing their potential to promote self-service among clients. This shift is expected to alleviate the strain on labor center officials and reduce the lengthy queues experienced by clients. Furthermore, it is anticipated that these platforms will lead to cost savings for clients, as they will no longer need to incur transport expenses when visiting labor centers.
Leveraging Technology for Client Benefits Maruping stressed that these platforms are timely, ensuring that workers can access services with ease. This strategic move aligns the UIF with the changing times, creating a more agile UIF that harnesses technology to respond effectively to ground-level challenges and external environmental changes.
Enhancing UIF Registration Compliance The UIF recognizes that many of its clients may be financially constrained when seeking its services. Therefore, the introduction of the mobile app and USSD platform is designed to assist clients in need. These platforms enable clients to verify their UIF registration status, which serves as a mechanism to improve compliance with the Unemployment Insurance Act. Employers who fail to register, declare, and pay contributions for their workers can be identified through this process.
Seamless Access via USSD and Mobile App Clients can access a range of services, including submitting payment continuations and checking their claim and payment statuses, by simply dialing 134843# on any cellular phone, free of charge. Alternatively, the same services are available through the mobile app, downloadable from the Google Play Store, the App Store for iOS devices, or the Huawei App Store.
Early Registration Encouraged Maruping urged all UIF contributing workers to utilize these platforms to check their registration status while still employed, rather than waiting until they are no longer working. Reporting cases where employers deduct UIF without proper registration is vital to rectify such situations promptly.
UIF’s Commitment to Service Improvement The Commissioner reaffirmed the UIF’s dedication to enhancing service delivery. To ensure clients across all provinces are well-informed about these platforms, the UIF plans to conduct roadshows and implement a comprehensive mass media campaign.
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